HONG KONG: Asian markets mostly climbed Thursday as Chinese manufacturing data indicated the economy continues to pick up, while the euro extended its gains on hopes a deal on Greece's bailout will be agreed.

Japanese shares closed at a six-month high as the yen weakened further against the dollar and euro on expectations the country's central bank will unveil fresh monetary easing measures.

Tokyo soared 1.56 percent, or 144.28 points, to 9,366.80 to finish at their highest level since early May.

Traders have been selling the Japanese unit since Shinzo Abe, the country's opposition leader and the man likely to become prime minister after next month's election, said he would press for unlimited monetary easing to lift the economy.

Expectations have been boosted this week by the central bank's downcast outlook for near-term growth and the worst October trade figures for 30 years.

The loss in China was despite banking giant HSBC saying the country's manufacturing activity grew for the first time in more than a year in November, reinforcing recent views that the economy is beginning to pick up after several months of slowdown.

In forex trade the dollar bought 82.54 yen from 82.51 yen late Wednesday in New York, while the euro was at 105.97 yen from 105.84 yen. The euro also fetched $1.2840, from $1.2826.

Despite the failure of eurozone finance ministers to agree on the release of the next tranche of bailout money for Greece, there is confidence a deal will be struck when they meet for a third time in as many weeks on Monday.

Asian markets were given a positive lead from Wall Street, which was lifted by news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ending eight days of bloody fighting, while jobs claims fell again last week.